CCU’s Ruiz makes cut but falls short of Masters bid

Coastal Carolina junior Luis Ruiz shot a final-round, 4-over par 75 and finished in a tie for 30th at the 2018 Latin America Amateur, played at the Prince of Wales Country Club.

Ruiz, representing his native Mexico, was 4-over after six holes to start his final round Tuesday. However, thanks to two birdies and two bogeys, he played the final 12 holes at even par. For the event, he carded rounds of 72-72-72-75 to post a 54-hole score of 292 (8-over par) at the 6,737-yard, par 71 course.

Chile’s Joaquin Nieman shot a final-round, 8-under par and had a 54-hole score of 273 (11-under par) to win medalist honors and earn a berth to the 2018 Masters . Alvaro Ortiz, also of Mexico, was second with a 6-under 278 for the four rounds.

Ruiz is the second Chanticleer to receive an invitation to play in the Latin America Amateur as his brother, Alfredo Ruiz, tied for 80th at last year’s championship in Panama.